[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image="9020" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Terrorism strikes in soft targets have put the spotlight on security around the globe. Just how safe is your hotel in an emergency situation? Hans Kanold, CEO of Safehotels, outlines the most critical components for hotel safety and security.

Can you tell us about Safehotels and what it takes to become certified?

What are some of the biggest threats that face hotels in Asia and the Pacific?

We look at all threats, and the everyday incidents like theft, violence, lost luggage and injuries — heart attacks are far more common than terrorist attacks. More or less, the same threats exist in all hotels all over the world. However, natural disasters are a bit more common in Asia and the Pacific due to just that — nature. As we’ve seen in Europe, these days terrorism is a threat besides everyday incidents. Good hotel security always starts with the details.

What are the most basic security measures that hotels are missing?

Staff training is by far what’s lacking the most. It is the most important factor: consistency in training. Of course, equipment and technology is of high importance (cameras, screening, fire equipment, First Aid equipment) but if the human factor isn’t working, then it will fail the whole system of security.

What are some basic strategies to prepare for terrorist attacks?

A terrorist attack is always carried out after a long period of planning. So it is very important the hotel staff observe what could be considered odd behavior or details in ordinary patterns that doesn’t correspond to normal acts within a hotel. Cars parked in odd locations, a smell in corridors, a room that doesn’t welcome housekeeping staff, guests who don’t leave their room, luggage that are brought in at odd times, etc. Being reactive is likewise important: Once an incident or attack is executed you are in a far more better position if a hotel has their equipment in order, and staff is trained to handle the situation, big or small.

What are some of the biggest threats that make hotels are such prime “soft targets” for terrorism?

The challenge is to find a balance between a comfortable, safe hotel and a welcoming, open environment. Hotels have multiple entry points and open public areas. However, one can not be naïve: security measures as in routines for luggage control, being very observant for irregular behavior, drug use, alcohol abuse and inappropriate acts are key. The most important issue, and the biggest challenge, is to quickly be able to increase security if the threat level changes. To constantly monitor the area, what happens in the immediate surrounding and activity in the destination is crucial.

We’ve been talking about hotels as soft targets for terrorism for some time now, particularly after the events in Jakarta and Mumbai. Do you see a disconnect or lag time in how the travel industry is embracing security?

Parts of the travel industry are better than others. I would say that the airline industry and cruise ships are on top of it, although incident do happen. If you look at the bus/ground transportation they are far behind, and the hotel industry is even further behind — even though there is a huge variety among hotels. Why? It has to do with consistency and lack of standards. The part of the industry that doesn’t measure security or provide standardized measures also lacks security. That’s why our standard now is being implemented worldwide.

Where do you hear the most feedback on the need for safety standards?

Without a doubt, it’s from travel managers and tour operators as well as meeting organizers. They have to show duty of care. Also, hoteliers that invest in security now realize it’s a competitive advantage — and a superb communication tool.

When planning business or MICE travel, is the Safehotels certification something that travel managers are seeking out, specifically?